Does Anthem (Elevance Health) Cover AndroGel?

What to check on your own plan

Coverage for a brand gel is set plan by plan, and the FDA records describe approval and labeling only. They say nothing about which insurer covers which product. [1][2]

The plan's own documents settle five things:

• Whether AndroGel is on the plan's drug list at all, and at what tier.
• Whether the plan requires prior authorization before it pays for the brand.
• Whether it requires step therapy, meaning a trial of another testosterone product first.
• Whether there is a quantity limit per fill.
• What documentation the plan wants with the request, and how long its review takes.

What AndroGel is

Drugs@FDA lists AndroGel under NDA 021015, first approved 28 February 2000, with 25 mg/2.5 g and 50 mg/5 g packets and a 12.5 mg/1.25 g metered pump. The record links to the prescribing information, including a label dated 11 July 2025. [2]

The indication FDA approval covers

FDA says testosterone products are approved only for men who lack or have low testosterone along with an associated medical condition, such as the testicles failing to produce testosterone because of genetic problems or chemotherapy, or a problem with the hypothalamus or pituitary. FDA states that none of the approved testosterone products are approved for men with low testosterone who lack an associated medical condition. Topical gel is one of the approved formulations. [1]

The label for generic testosterone gel 1% (Teva), which is not AndroGel's own label, says to confirm the diagnosis of hypogonadism before starting by ensuring serum testosterone has been measured in the morning on at least two separate days and that the concentrations are below the normal range. [3]

The age-related hypogonadism line

FDA says labeling carries a limitation of use stating that safety and efficacy in men with age-related hypogonadism have not been established, and that in June 2026 FDA requested updates that include removing that limitation and revising prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia safety information. A requested change is not a completed label change. [1]